Community Service-Learning

What is Community Service Learning?

Community Service Learning (CSL) is a reflection of Assumption’s commitment to service and social justice. Through CSL classes, you will experience a unique opportunity to participate in and learn about the complexity of the social, economic, political, and cultural world and to think in original ways about the substantive problems in society.

Students of any major can choose to minor in CSL or simply take individual courses. You’ll build important skills through observation, exploration, critical analysis and action-oriented research in a multicultural setting. You’ll work with others as a team to achieve a common goal and find the fulfillment of contributing their talents and skills to impact the lives of others.

Service Opportunities

In recent years, CSL students have logged more than 100,000 hours of service per year. They work in a variety of settings throughout Worcester helping (among others)

Children and Youth Services
Arts Organizations
Elderly
Homeless and Housing Outreach
Underprivileged Families
Environmental Organizations

Assumption’s CSL program also works closely with the Habitat for Humanity program.

Program Contact

Michael Charles Land, Ph.D

Associate Professor of English, Director, Community Service-Learning Program

508-767-7004 mland@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 224

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

The Community Service-Learning (CSL) minor requires a minimum of six (6) interdisciplinary courses. The minor requires 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. In many circumstances, this is accomplished in conjunction with Assumption’s Reach Out Center, which coordinates students’ volunteer activities around Worcester.

Electives

Five (5) courses, approved by the CSL Director, taken from at least 3 disciplines using the following guidelines:

At least three (3) courses with CSL designation. (This may include one internship or practicum, depending on the nature of the placement site.)

The remaining two courses consists of (1) a theology course and (2) either a fifth CSL course or any course that engages social justice issues in some way.

Capstone Course

Seminar in Service Learning

This interdisciplinary course combines readings, critical thinking and analysis, and community service as students are encouraged to explore the connections between ideas and experience. Students engage in 45 hours of community service throughout the semester and pursue a research project of their choice. The culmination of the seminar is a research paper and a formal presentation.

Volunteer Service

Students must complete 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. The Assumption College Reach Out Center coordinates volunteer opportunities throughout the Worcester area.

Course Descriptions
- Minor in Community Service-Learning Course Descriptions
Academic Catalog & Advising Guide

Faculty

Carol Harvey, MBA

Professor Emerita

Michael Charles Land, Ph.D

Associate Professor of English Director, Community Service-Learning Program

Susan Perschbacher, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of Sociology

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Natalia Kaczor

Community Service-Learning Class of 2020
Research & Development / Quality Control Intern, Randolph Products

“Community Service Learning provided me with both intellectual growth and community involvement Through my CSL course worked with Ascentria, I created a presentation to aide teen immigrants with the impact of culture shock in Worcester. Hearing their personal accounts made me appreciate the diversity of our community and realize the importance of public outreach.”

Skyler Hesch

Community Service-Learning 2020
Double major in English Literature and English Writing and Mass Communications and double minor in Education and Community Service Learning

“My CSL experiences inspired me to be the difference, find my passion, and live a life that matters From soup kitchens to after school programs to nursing homes to food pantries to thrift shops, minoring in CSL opened my eyes to the needs of others in my community as well as my own ability to make a difference and have a positive impact on those around me every day.”

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Useful Links:

The Community Service-Learning (CSL) fuses community service and academic inquiry, simultaneously creating memorable educational experiences for the student and valuable service to the greater Worcester community.